CN205034386U - Packing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model discloses a packaging device (1) for processing and/or packaging and/or transporting commodities with a substantially horizontal transport surface for conveying commodities, commodity groups and/or packaging units. The packaging device comprises a first endless conveyor (6) with an upper run (12) and a lower run (13), which comprises at least one, in particular at least two parallel-arranged, circular conveyors. A conveyor chain for transporting goods and/or groups of goods arranged on and/or in the packaging material in a first operating mode. In the second operating mode, the packaging device is used for transporting goods and/or groups of goods without a packing material cushion. According to the invention, in the second operating mode at least in the region of the upper run of the first endless conveyor, a covering element is provided as a cushion for goods and/or groups of goods on the first endless conveyor (6) (10).

Description

Packaging device

technical field

The utility model relates to a packaging device for processing and/or packaging commodities or commodity groups, which has a substantially horizontal transport path.

Background technique

Numerous packaging types exist for the processing, arrangement, grouping and packaging of goods such as beverage containers. PET containers, which are currently used most often as beverage containers, for example, have a relatively small wall thickness and are not completely dimensionally stable even in the filled state. For this reason and in view of better logistical maneuverability, a wide variety of packaging is used for grouped single containers. Thus, the containers may be placed in a grouped arrangement, for example onto a cardboard sheet with the edges folded up. This is also called a tray. Cardboard sheets sized to fit the bottom surface of the bale arrangement so that the edges do not fold up can also be used. Optionally, these bundle arrangements can then be filmed and shrunk by means of a heating process to obtain a stable bundle connection that is easy to transport and stack. Another bundling variant is referred to as "shrink-only", since here the aligned containers are wrapped with a film and the film is shrunk without further aids. The shape stability of this bundle deformation solution is only ensured by the shrink film. Known packaging machines and their conveying devices are usually correspondingly optimized for a particular type, size and/or profile of the conveyed goods. Furthermore, different conveying devices are required for different bundles and packaging types. Product changes may in some cases render certain conveyor systems no longer usable because they are not suitable, for example, for the transport of individual goods or containers. Disturbances in the transport of goods can likewise occur when the packaging machine is adjusted to a correspondingly different product variant. Such conveying problems are especially likely to arise when changing between packaged goods (eg bundled units) and loose goods (eg individual merchandise, beverage containers, etc.). Such upright goods to be conveyed, such as beverage containers, may easily tip over and/or fall on conveying equipment prepared for transporting bundled units, because the transport modules may not provide a sufficiently flat, stable transport with a very small The padding for the object's underside. A common problem is that the conveyor means used in winding operation, in particular conveyor chains or conveyor belts, are too narrow in their width for the transport of individual goods to provide sufficient width for the individual goods. bearing surface.

In order to solve this problem, devices are known which are designed interchangeably in the respective transport section. DE 10 2010 050 524 A1 describes a packaging machine with a transport device that is also suitable and optimized for different transport goods and is not limited by the transport quality of the respective product to be transported. This is achieved in particular in that the packaging machine has a first horizontal conveying device with at least one transport device for a first mode of operation, in order to establish at least one other mode of operation by means of at least one transport device different from the first mode of operation. The first horizontal conveying device is replaced by another horizontal conveying device of a second conveying device of a conveying device.

Patent document EP2412636A1 discloses a device for packaging products with an input device, an output device and a processing module arranged therebetween. The processing module has a synchronous conveyor system consisting of two endless chains, the distance between the endless chains and thus the width of the bottom formed thereby being adjustable. Furthermore, this document discloses an alternative conveyor system consisting of a plurality of endless conveyor belts arranged one above the other in the non-operating position, which are arranged against each other in the operative position between the input device and the output device space and form the bottom between the input device and the output device. Here, the endless chains of the synchronous conveyor system are spaced apart from one another so that the endless conveyor belt of the alternative conveyor system runs between them.

In the described system, in the event of a product change or process change, the transport equipment is adapted by replacing the transport means. Transport means that are not needed are stored in the device above the transport level when not in use, which increases the space requirement in the upward direction. In particular due to the weight of the components, such a replacement requires corresponding tools (eg a crane) and is complex.

Utility model content

The purpose of the utility model is to provide a transport device that can be quickly matched to the corresponding transported goods with simple tools.

The objects of the invention are achieved by a packaging device according to the invention for processing and/or packaging and/or transporting goods, which has a substantially horizontal transport surface for conveying goods, groups of goods and/or packaging units , the packaging device includes a first endless conveyor with an upper return section and a lower return section, the first endless conveyor includes at least one, especially at least two, parallel arranged circumferential conveyor chains for the second Transport of goods and/or groups of goods arranged on and/or in a packaging material in a first operating mode, wherein the packaging device is used in a second operating mode to transport goods and/or groups of goods without a cushion of packaging material , wherein in the second operating mode at least in the region of the upper run of the first endless conveyor is arranged as a mat for the goods and/or groups of goods on the first endless conveyor Cover element.

The main purpose of this utility model is to transform the horizontal conveying equipment between the first operation mode and the second operation mode, so as to construct the same transportation path for different conveying goods, especially when matching the commodity or commodities to be conveyed In the case of different mechanical properties of the group. Chain conveyors, which are optimized for the uninterrupted transport of larger packaging units with plastic or cardboard mats and are optionally equipped with folding devices, are naturally not suitable for individual packaging units with a small base compared to the support surface. Transport of goods such as beverage containers or bottles, especially when these goods have a retracted bottom, especially for PET bottles with so-called petal-shaped bottoms. Such goods cannot be conveyed on conventional chain conveyors because they would tip over or roll over, which is associated with great disturbances in the conveying operation. By arranging and/or inserting the covering element onto the chain conveyor or into the region of the chain conveyor, existing packaging devices that are prepared for conveying and packaging goods or groups of goods with a stable bottom can be For the transport and packaging of optional goods or groups of goods that are bundled and packed later.

The utility model relates to a packaging device for processing and/or packaging and/or transporting goods and to a method for modifying the transport route of such a packaging device. Such a packaging device has an approximately horizontal transport surface for conveying goods, groups of goods and/or packaging units. The transport path includes a first endless conveyor with an upper run and a lower run. The first endless conveyor system comprises at least one, in particular at least two, circumferential conveyor chains arranged in parallel.

Preferably, the invention relates to a so-called winding module. In the first operating mode, the goods and/or groups of goods arranged on and/or arranged in the packaging material are transported via the first endless conveyor and optionally processed. For example, the goods and/or groups of goods are arranged on so-called cardboard mats, trays or the like and are supplied to subsequent processing via endless conveyors. Alternatively, it is also possible for the goods and/or groups of goods to be provided with an outer packaging, for example a cardboard outer packaging or another suitable packaging material, in the region of the first endless conveyor.

In the second operating mode, the packaging device is suitable for transporting goods and/or groups of goods without packaging material mats. In particular, individual goods and/or loose groups of goods can also be transported with the packaging device in the second operating mode. According to the invention, the cover element is arranged on the first endless conveyor device for the second operating mode at least in the region of the upper run of the first endless conveyor device. These covering elements act as stabilizing cushions and enable easy passage of goods and/or groups of goods via the transport path.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one conveyor chain has holding means for articles, article groups and/or packaging units. In the second operating mode, the covering element is arranged between the holding means on the first endless conveyor device. Preferably, the cover element is placed and/or inserted between the holding means in the second operating mode.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, in the second operating mode, the cover element is only arranged concomitantly in the upper run of the first endless conveyor. In particular, the covering element is placed continuously between the holding means on the upper run of the first endless conveyor in the inlet area for the goods or groups of goods or is inserted into the upper run of the first endless conveyor between holding devices on the segment. After the covering element has passed the upper run in the direction of transport of the goods or the group of goods, it is removed from the upper run of the first endless conveyor in the exit region of the goods or the group of goods.

For example, it can be provided that a prefolding module with a supply of packaging material is arranged upstream of the winding module of the packaging device. In the second operating mode, for example, the first covering element can be removed from the storage module and supplied via the packaging material supply and prefolding module to the endless conveyor of the winding module. Covering elements removed in the exit area can be returned directly to the cardboard supply and resupplied to the endless conveyor of the winding module.

If a prefolding module is used, in particular fewer cardboard folding steps are carried out in the winding module than in the winding module without a prefolding module.

In particular, the folding up of the bottom web of the tray or cardboard takes place in both cases in the winding module. The bottom web is in particular that part of the cardboard which has a hem which, in the finished bundle, forms the edge of the rest surface of the bundle. In particular, the bottom web is bent about an axis that is horizontal and is oriented perpendicularly to the transport direction.

According to a further preferred embodiment, in the second operating mode, the cover element is arranged in the upper run and in the lower run of the first endless conveyor device in a concomitant manner. In particular, for the second operating mode the covering element is inserted between all correspondingly directly adjacent holding means in the direction of transport of the first endless conveyor and fixed in such a way that the covering element In the mode, the first endless conveyor always rotates together or revolves together. For this purpose, the packaging device can be equipped, in particular, with a magazine and a handling device for the covering elements. With the aid of this handling device, the covering elements are removed from the magazine and supplied to the first endless conveyor device.

According to another embodiment, the covering elements are in turn provided for the endless conveying device by means of a cardboard supply and prefolding module.

According to another embodiment, the pre-folding module comprises a second endless conveyor, which can be provided with synchronizing elements, wherein, in particular, the distance between the synchronizing elements of the second endless conveyor in the transport direction is the same as that of the first endless conveyor. The distance between the holding devices of the device in the direction of transport corresponds. In particular, the second endless conveyor device is arranged upstream of the first endless conveyor device in the transport direction. For the second operating mode, the covering element is inserted and fixed between all correspondingly directly adjacent holding means in the transport direction of the first endless conveyor and to all of the second endless conveyor in the transport direction. Correspondingly between directly adjacent synchronous elements. In the second operating mode, the cover element always rotates together on the second endless conveyor. Both endless conveyors each have a deflection region between their upper run and their lower run. In the deflection region in which the two endless conveyors abut each other, the covering element is accordingly transferred between the two endless conveyors. In particular, a transfer of the covering element from the synchronization element of the upper run of the second endless conveyor to the holding means of the upper run of the first endless conveyor is achieved in the direction of transport of the goods and of groups of goods. In addition, a transfer of the covering element from the holding means of the lower run of the first endless conveyor to the synchronization element of the lower run of the second endless conveyor is effected counter to the direction of transport of the goods and the groups of goods.

If, according to an alternative embodiment, the second endless conveyor has no synchronizing elements, additional synchronizing elements can be mounted on the second endless conveyor for the second operating mode. For example, additional synchronizing elements can be fixed on the second endless conveyor unit by gluing or screwing. Alternatively, the covering element can likewise be transported without fixing, in particular only by static friction, on the upper run of the second endless conveyor. This embodiment can likewise be carried out analogously for the first endless conveyor without synchronizing elements.

Instead of passing the covering element between the first and the second endless conveyor, it is also possible to assign the covering element to one of the two endless conveyors during the second operating mode and only on this device (not pass) wrap around accordingly. In particular, it can be provided that the first covering element runs around the first endless conveyor device and the second covering element runs around the second endless conveyor device.

For the detachable arrangement and/or fastening of the covering element on the holding means and/or on the synchronizing element, the holding means and/or the synchronizing element have receiving means for receiving and/or securing the covering element. Furthermore, an actuating element can be provided, by means of which the receiving means can be released, so that the cover element can be easily removed. For example, it can be provided that the retaining means and/or the synchronizing element can be pivoted laterally out of the transport path via the advanceable cam.

The advanceable cam can be advanced automatically (eg via a pneumatic cylinder) in the control of the device in the event of selection of the second operating mode.

The covering element is preferably made of a pliable or flexible material, which is necessary in particular in the case of an embodiment in which the covering element is arranged circumferentially on the upper run and the lower run of the first endless conveyor unit section. Suitable covering elements can consist, for example, of cardboard, pliable or flexible plastic or other suitable materials. Preferably, the covering element is no thicker than the outer packaging, cardboard slice, tray or the like used in the first mode of operation.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first endless conveyor device is driven continuously in the two operating modes.

For example, a constriction channel is arranged after the first endless conveying device. According to an alternative embodiment, a filming module and a shrinking tunnel for wrapping the group of goods with film can be arranged downstream of the first endless conveyor. For example, palletizing can be arranged after the shrinking tunnel.

Outer packaging, cardboard cutouts etc. themselves can likewise be used as covering elements. In this way it is not necessary to provide a separate magazine.

Alternatively, an elongated plastic or film web can also be provided as the covering element, wherein the longer plastic or film web is wound around at least one conveyor chain or conveyor track of the endless conveyor. Preferably, the ends of the plastic web or film web can be fastened against each other and/or on the endless conveyor. According to the invention, the packaging machine can be converted in a simple manner from being used for transporting goods with packaging material mats to for transporting goods without packaging material mats. In particular, corresponding devices and their drives for replacing the entire transport section can be dispensed with compared to the known state of the art. Furthermore, the described retrofitting can be carried out significantly faster.

In particular, the use of an alternative conveyor system is eliminated in the context of the invention in that the existing conveyors are used for transport in both operating modes and in the second operating mode at least the endless conveyor system The previous line segment of was changed. In particular, at least one and the same drive is used or used for conveying goods in both operating modes.

The lower run of the endless conveyor is also to be understood in the sense of the invention as that part of the endless conveyor which does not move under the upper run back to the beginning of the endless conveyor, but runs laterally relative to the upper run The segments are moved offset, eg in the same horizontal plane and perpendicular to the transport path.

In particular, it should be noted that in any case at least part of the conveyor chain or conveyor belt of the endless conveyor system used in the first operating mode can also be used in the second operating mode for the conveying of goods and/or groups of goods .

Description of drawings

Below, the embodiments and advantages of the utility model will be further described with the aid of the accompanying drawings. The size ratios of the individual elements to one another in the drawings do not always correspond to the actual size ratios, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged relative to other elements for better illustration. in,

1A to 1C are diagrams showing different operating states of a first embodiment of a packaging machine.

2A and 2B are views showing a second embodiment of the packaging machine.

Figures 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating the transfer of covering elements between the pre-folding module and the winding module.

4A and 4B are views showing a third embodiment of the packaging machine.

The same reference numerals are used for identical or identically acting elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only the reference signs in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the corresponding figure are shown. These illustrated embodiments are only examples of how the packaging device according to the invention may be designed and are not final limitations.

detailed description

1A to 1C show different operating states of a first embodiment of a packaging machine 1 , 1a. In particular, FIG. 1A shows the packaging machine 1 a in a first operating mode BM1 , in which goods or groups of goods are placed on cardboard mats and transported. Goods or groups of goods (not shown) are supplied to the pre-folding module 3 in the transport direction TR by means of push chains 2 or other suitable conveying means. Cardboard packages, pallet mats etc. are supplied to the pre-folding module 3 via a cardboard supply 4 . In the area of the prefolding module 3 , the goods or groups of goods are arranged on cardboard packages, pallet mats and supplied to the winding module 5 . The winding module 5 comprises a closure chain 6 which preferably consists of at least two circumferential conveyor chains (not shown) and has an upper run and a lower run 13 . A plurality of holding means 7 are arranged on the closing chain 6 . The holding means 7 are, for example, folding fingers 8 or the like, which are suitable for placing the cardboard package or the like in a desired shape and supporting the cardboard package in particular after folding, or in the case of gluing of the cardboard package for maintaining the relative position of the cardboard package. contact with another tab. The goods or groups of goods arranged on pallets or in cardboard packages are then removed by means of another push chain 9 or by means of another suitable conveying means and optionally supplied to further packaging or processing modules.

When the packaging machine 1a is to be switched from the first operating mode BM1 (so-called winding operation) to the second easy-pass operating mode BM2 (see FIG. 1C ) with goods or groups of goods, the covering element 10 is inserted into the closing Between the retaining elements 7 in the chain 6. On these covering elements 10 , the goods or groups of goods can then be transported without additional cushions by means of the closed chain system 6 of the winding module 5 .

Figure 1B shows the intermediate mode ZM. In particular, it is shown that the covering element 10 is supplied to the winding module 5 via the cardboard supply 4 and the prefolding module 3 and is arranged on the upper run 12 in the gap between the holding means 7 following one another in the transport direction TR.

According to the second embodiment of the packaging machine 1,1b shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the covering element 10 always rotates together with the closing chain 6, whereas in the packaging machine 1,1c shown in Figures 4A and 4B In the case of the third embodiment of the present invention, the covering element 10 follows only in the region of the upper run 12 of the closure chain 6 .

According to a second embodiment of the packaging machine 1 , 1 b shown in FIG. 2A , the prefolding module 15 comprises a synchronization element 16 on the closing chain 17 . Simple passage of goods or groups of goods without mats via the closing chain 17 of the pre-folding module 15 is therefore likewise difficult. In order to convert the packaging machine 1b from the first operating mode of winding operation to the second operating mode BM2 with simple passage, the covering elements 10 are removed from the automatically infeed magazine 20 via the cardboard supply 4 and supplied to the The prefolding module 15 and the winding module 5 are accordingly arranged and fixed between the synchronization elements 16 or the holding means 7 such that the covering element 10 is fixedly connected to the closing chain of the winding module 5 and the prefolding module 15 6,17 turn together. In particular, the cover element 10 is clamped into the snap-fit element of the holding means 7 .

FIG. 2B shows a case in which the covering element 10 is again removed by the closing chains 6, 17 and thus the packaging machine 1b is again converted from the second operating mode BM2 with simple passage to the first operating mode of winding operation. Feasibility program. In particular, Fig. 2B shows the intermediate mode ZM during the retrofitting process. An auxiliary conveyor 19 is provided here, via which the covering elements 10 are supplied to the magazine 22 . In particular, a feedable magazine 20 (see FIG. 2A ) can also be used as magazine 22 .

The prefolding module 15 contains an additional conveyor system for bundle prefolding, in which the cover element 10 is likewise used to bring about a secure transport of the goods or groups of goods. If necessary, the two systems of the prefolding module 15 and the winding module 5 can be designed such that the goods or groups of goods straddle the closing chain 6 of the prefolding device 15 and the winding module 5 on the same cover element 10, for this purpose The covering element 10 is transferred from the first conveying system onto the other conveying system. The transfer of the covering element 10 is at the upper run 12 in the transport direction TR and at the lower run 13 of the closing chain 6 of the winding module 5 in the case of return against the transport direction TR of the goods or groups of goods. accomplish. This can be achieved, for example, with laterally foldable retaining elements 7 on the conveyor chain of the closure chain 6 .

3A to 3C show the transfer of the covering element 10 between the prefolding module 15 and the winding module 5 . In particular, FIG. 3A shows two holding means 7-1, 7-2 of the same conveyor chain arranged one behind the other in the direction of transport, where the holding means 7-2 is arranged upstream of the holding means 7-1, that is to say Follow the holding means 7-1. The holding means 7 - 1 , 7 - 2 have a first receiving region 40 for covering the side faces of the element 10 which are arranged transversely to the transport direction TR.

3B and 3C are views of the holding device 7-1 in the transport direction, respectively. The holding means 7 - 1 is formed in particular by two holding elements 11 a , 11 b arranged on two conveyor chains forming closed chains. Viewed in the transport direction TR, the holding elements 11a, 11b respectively have the same position perpendicular to the transport direction TR, that is to say the two holding means 7a, 7b lie on a straight line g arranged perpendicular to the transport direction TR. The holding elements 11a, 11b have a second receiving area 42 for covering the side faces of the element 10 which are arranged parallel to the transport direction TR.

In the deflection region between the prefolding module 15 and the winding module 5 , in particular in the entry region 50 between the prefolding module 15 and the upper run 12 of the winding module 5 , via the feedable cam 45 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) or in the lower run 13 of the winding module 5 and in the exit region 52 of the pre-folding module 15 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) the holding elements 11a, 11b of the holding device 7-1 are turned over each other open. The covering element 10 can now be easily removed.

In the case of all the illustrated embodiments, the conveyor chain or the conveyor belt or closing chain 6 of the pre-folding module 15 can be formed by a single conveyor belt or a single conveyor chain. Preferably, the endless conveyor or closing chain 6 of the prefolding module 15 comprises two conveyor belts or conveyor chains, as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C . These conveyor chains can be adjusted horizontally to one another, in particular in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction TR, in order to be able to process cardboard slices of different formats.

In this way, when each module is provided with (at least) three conveyor belts or conveyor chains, for example one conveyor chain or one conveyor belt can be completely removed from the conveyor area, while the other two take over the pair of covering elements according to FIGS. 3A to 3C 10 receiving functions.

If no holding means 7 are arranged on (at least) three conveyor belts or conveyor chains, then the conveyor belts or conveyor chains can likewise be used for conveying by placing the covering elements 10 on the conveyor belts or conveyor chains, if necessary No adjustment is required.

According to a third embodiment of the packaging machine 1, 1c shown in FIGS. Be transported back in the material storehouse 25 again afterwards. In the second operating mode BM2 the covering elements 10 are continuously removed from the magazine 24 . The covering elements 10 are supplied to the winding module 5 via the cardboard supply 4 and the pre-folding module 3 and are respectively inserted between the holding means 7 of the closure chain 6 in the entry region 30 of the upper run 12 . After passing through the upper run 12 of the closing chain 6 , the covering elements 10 are transported back into the magazine 25 in the outlet region 32 . Furthermore, it is provided that the covering elements 10 are conveyed continuously from the collection magazine 25 back into the supply magazine 24 . Thus only a certain number of covering elements 10 are required.

FIG. 4B shows an embodiment of a packaging machine 1c* in which additional buffer magazines 26, 27 for covering elements 10 are provided to ensure covering in the region of the upper run 12 of the closing chain 6. A stable replenishment of the covering element 10 of the gap between the holding means 7.

The fastening and unfastening of the covering element 10 can be effected, for example, analogously to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C . However, other possibilities are also possible for professionals. Since the covering elements are entrained only in the region of the upper runway section 12 , it is sufficient to insert these covering elements loosely between the holding means 7 .

Furthermore, an embodiment without collecting magazine 25 is conceivable, in which the covering elements 10 removed by the upper return 12 in the outlet area 32 are conveyed directly back to the cardboard supply 4 .

With the use according to the invention of the cover element 10 according to one of the previously described embodiments, no separate conveyor belt is required for the replacement of the closure chain 6 for the retrofit of the packaging machine 1 . In the transition area 35 from the closing chain 6 to the next transport module or packaging module 9 (for example to the film wrapping module), a slide system with bars is used in the second operating mode BM2, The order of the goods is maintained in the case. Alternatively, an additional overthrust plate can also be used in the transition area 35

As mentioned above, this invention was demonstrated with reference to preferable embodiment. However, it should be understood by professionals that the utility model can be changed or modified without departing from the protection scope of the utility model.

List of reference signs

1 packing machine

2 push chain (Schubkette)

3 pre-folded modules

4 cardboard supplies

5 winding modules

6 closed chain

7 holding device

8 folding fingers

9 push chain

10 cover elements

11 holding element

12 uplink segment

13 next return segment

15 pre-folded modules

16 sync pieces

17 closed chain

19 auxiliary conveyor

20 warehouse

22 warehouse

24 warehouse

25 warehouse

26 buffer warehouse

27 Buffer warehouse

30 entrance area

32 exit area

35 Transition area

40 first receiving area

42 second receiving area

45 feedable cams

50 entrance area

52 exit area

BM operation mode

g straight line

TR transport direction

ZM intermediate mode.

Claims (11)

1. A packaging unit (1) for processing and/or packaging and/or transporting goods, having a substantially horizontal transport plane for transporting goods, groups of goods and/or packaging units, comprising a first endless conveyor arrangement (6) with an upper return section (12) and a lower return section (13), which first endless conveyor arrangement (6) comprises at least one endless conveyor chain (n) for transporting goods and/or groups of goods arranged on and/or in a packaging material in a first mode of operation (BM1), wherein the packaging unit is used in a second mode of operation (BM2) for transporting goods and/or groups of goods without a cushion of packaging material, characterized in that in the second mode of operation (BM2) at least in the region of the upper return section (12) of the first endless conveyor arrangement (6) as goods and/or groups of goods are arranged as the goods and/or groups of goods in the first endless conveyor arrangement (6) in the region of the upper return section (12) A covering element (10) of a mat on a conveyor device (6).

2. A packaging apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first endless conveyor arrangement (6) comprises at least two parallel arranged circulating conveyor chains (n).

3. A packaging unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one conveyor chain has holding means (7) for said goods, groups of goods and/or packaging units, and wherein said covering element (10) is arranged on said first endless conveyor arrangement (6) between said holding means (7) in said second mode of operation (BM 2).

4. A packaging apparatus (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the covering element (10) is arranged only following in the second operating mode (BM2) in the upper run (12) of the first endless conveying means (6).

5. A packaging unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said covering elements (10) are arranged in the upper and lower return sections (12, 13) of said first endless conveyor arrangement (6) following one another in said second mode of operation (BM 2).

6. A packaging apparatus (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the packaging apparatus (1) is provided with a magazine (20,24) for the covering elements (10), and wherein the packaging apparatus (1) comprises handling means for taking the covering elements (10) out of the magazine (20,24) and supplying the covering elements (10) to the first endless conveyor means (6).

7. A packaging apparatus (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the packaging apparatus (1) comprises holding means (7) on at least one first endless conveyor device (6) and a synchronizing element (16) on at least one second endless conveyor device arranged upstream of the first endless conveyor device (6), wherein the holding means (7) and/or the synchronizing element (16) comprise receiving means (40,42) for receiving and/or fixing the covering element (10).

8. Packaging unit (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that said holding means (7) and/or said synchronization element (16) can be swung out laterally from said transport face for the purpose of removing said covering element (10).

9. Packaging unit (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that said holding means (7) and/or said synchronization element (16) comprise an operating element for the releasable fixing of said covering element (10).

10. Packaging unit (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that said holding means (7) and/or said synchronization element (16) comprise an operating element for the releasable fixing of said covering element (10).

11. Packaging unit (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the reception and/or fixing of said covering element (10) or the detachment of said covering element (10) is adjusted by means of a cam that can be fed.